Abhorrence

MEDIA, collectively, is somewhat anathema to PNoy's thrust and guidelines on reporting. He dislikes negativism even as he abhors what he calls biased and unsubstantiated documentation and reportage.

Per Malacañang pronouncement, PNoy "won’t be holding his punches against the media despite criticisms from various groups over his tirades against TV Patrol news reader, former vice president Noli de Castro," whom PNoy pictured as inept compared to the current and active Vice President Jejomar Binay. Basically, PNoy singled out de Castro for his "baseless" comments in between news. True, should opinions intersperse with the news?

Of course, I do not agree with nor condone PNoy's indifferent posture against legitimate media. As the highest official of the land, he should bare his official functions for his constituents to know and follow.

After all, he manifests that transparency and accountability are benchmarks of his administration. Then why hide, cover up and withhold information about his governance?

His abhorrence to negative reporting is understandable as he claims this (negative reporting) drives away tourists and subsequently deprive Filipinos of jobs and revenues.

Yes, I have observed that TV Patrol appears more like a tabloid or police blotter and sensationalism is not sanctioned in its reporting. Being aired prime time, its producers should opt for more positive news and development trends rather than bask in sordid and gory details. E, dito yata kumikita at nagrerate, di ba?

Media, long considered the fourth estate, should not exist or function for somebody's glorification alone. It should, and must, perform to ferret out and highlight the truth no matter who gets cited, hurt or singed, including the President. In its quest for clear forbearance, there are no sacred cows, even if the Freedom of Information bill has been kept hanging for so long.

*****

Beleaguered former President and now second district Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the subject of an unsavory letter of one John Leonard Monterona (PDI, August 3, 2012), who passes himself as Regional Coordinator of Migrante Middle East.

Part of his letter to the Editor reads: "One wonders or doubts if Arroyo, with her illness and the criminal cases filed against her, still has the physical strength and energy to run for reelection. That she has the nerve to run for reelection reveals how power-hungry or power-crazy she is."

Well, the voters of the 2nd district know too well what is good for them and their district. Due to illness and hospital arrest (that is, before she was granted bail and therefore provisional liberty), Representative Arroyo might not have accomplished much and no significant projects have so far emanated from her office due to her protracted absence. Now that she is frail, physically and perhaps, mentally, would she still entertain plans to run for reelection or would she pass the baton to someone else who is more capable and can deliver service more adequately.

In fairness to the good people of the second district of Pampanga, they deserve more fruitful representation and get the benefits pertaining to them.

*****

Time and again, I have registered my vigorous and scathing objections to hazing activities of fraternities and sororities as they tend to be violent and murderous and lay to waste the true spirit of brotherhood.

The latest casualty, Mark Andre Marcos, died in his not yet prime years, emboldened by the prospect of status symbol of being a "brod" in a so-called elite and members-only organization. Little did he foresee that he would pay with his dear life for such a dream.

So, what's so special with fraternities? Puro yabang, puro pasikat lang. A misguided sense of machismo. And now fraternities are an invitation to killing sprees with hazings as the murder weapons! Of what use then is the anti-hazing law? It may be plainly useless if it does not elicit fear from violators, that's what. Alas, the golden purpose of fraternities is barbarically defeated.

*****

It is my intention to bring the services of Peso Mabalacat closer to the barangays. Aside from convening the barangay Peso coordinators, I decided to hold jobs fairs and trainings in barangays with the cooperation of local employers and overseas placement agencies. On August 8, 2012, the jobs fair will be held at Barangay Duquit with the support of kagawad Yoly Banal and imprimatur of punong barangay Johnbie Garcia. The overseas placement agency will be Manila Trust, a POEA licensed agency. Mayor Boking Morales fully supports this activity, as are the multi sectoral unit headed by Gerry Dayrit and accompanied by Vidal Busa and Pilo Bondoc.